Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Croydon
Established in 2008, Shorplans Developments is a multidisciplinary design and build practice with over 20 years of expertise in planning, design, and construction. As RIBA and ARB Chartered Architects, we deliver informed, honest, and realistic advice alongside comprehensive architectural services. Our team specialises in residential and commercial projects, offering tailored solutions from planning applications to structural engineering and party wall surveys. With a 97% planning approval success rate and experience across 32 London boroughs, we combine local knowledge with technical precision. Our approach prioritises client collaboration, ensuring designs reflect individual visions while meeting sustainability and functionality standards. We streamline processes from concept to completion, providing structural calculations, building control submissions, and in-house coordination of architectural and engineering services.Our commitment to quality is evidenced by our track record of over 1,115 completed projects, including new builds, extensions, and heritage renovations. We offer free no-obligation consultations and transparent pricing, including a current 20% discount on architectural services. Our teams expertise spans permitted development rights, eco-friendly design, and compliance with UK building regulations, ensuring projects meet safety and regulatory standards. With offices in Croydon, we serve clients across London and Surrey, leveraging deep local planning knowledge to minimise delays and maximise project success.
Services
Architectural Design
Structural Engineering
Party Wall Surveys
Residential Projects
Commercial Projects
Planning Permission
Building Control
Loft Conversions
Extensions
Heritage Renovations
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of architectural and structural engineering experience
- RIBA and ARB Chartered Architects with local planning expertise
- 97% planning approval success rate across 32 London boroughs
- Integrated architectural and structural services under one roof
- Transparent pricing with 20% discount on architectural services
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- ARB
What people say
Excellent and flexible service
Highly functional space design
97% planning approval success rate
Expert local knowledge
Seamless project coordination
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service specialises in creating bespoke residential and commercial spaces tailored to client needs. We handle projects from initial concept to planning approval, ensuring compliance with local regulations and building standards. Our RIBA-certified architects combine creativity with technical expertise to deliver functional, aesthetically pleasing designs that maximise property potential while maintaining budget efficiency.
Structural Engineering
We provide comprehensive structural engineering solutions for residential and commercial developments, including load-bearing calculations, beam specifications, and foundation design. Our engineers ensure compliance with building regulations through detailed calculations and drawings, supporting projects like extensions, wall removals, and commercial fit-outs. Services include RSJ sizing, loft conversion support, and structural inspections to guarantee safety and regulatory compliance.
Party Wall Surveys
Our party wall surveyors manage all aspects of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 compliance, from serving notices to resolving disputes. We prepare legally binding awards, conduct condition surveys, and provide guidance to ensure projects proceed without legal complications. This service covers extensions, basement works, and structural alterations, protecting both building owners and adjoining properties throughout the process.
Planning Permission
We specialise in navigating London's complex planning policies to secure approvals for residential and commercial developments. Our services include preparing and submitting applications, conducting pre-application consultations, and maximising chances of first-time approval. We advise on permitted development rights and handle communications with local authorities to streamline the planning process for extensions, conversions, and new builds.
Building Control
Our building control service ensures all projects meet UK safety and construction standards through detailed submissions and inspections. We prepare structural calculations, coordinate with local authorities, and provide certification for residential and commercial works. This includes foundation design, thermal efficiency assessments, and compliance documentation to guarantee regulatory approval for extensions, renovations, and new developments.
People
Carl Shorter
Founder - Architect
Carl Shorter, founder of Shorplans Developments, brings over 20 years of architectural experience. With a BA (Hons) in Architecture from London South Bank University, he specialises in AutoCAD, construction drawings, and project management. Carl's expertise in navigating London's planning landscape ensures clients receive practical, innovative design solutions tailored to their needs.
Maria Silva
Senior Architect
Maria Silva, a Senior Architect at Shorplans, holds a MArch in Architecture and specialises in urban design. As a qualified Technician of Management of Construction Works, she ensures projects meet the highest standards. Her experience spans residential and commercial sectors, delivering functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that align with client visions and regulatory requirements.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide residential and commercial design, planning permission, building control, party wall surveys, structural engineering, and permitted development assessments across London and Surrey.
How much do architectural services cost?
Architectural fees typically range from 8-12% of construction costs, with a current 20% discount available on all services.
Do I need planning permission?
Some projects qualify under permitted development rights, but we recommend consulting us to determine requirements for your specific project.
Are you RIBA-certified architects?
Yes, we are RIBA and ARB Chartered Architects with over 20 years' experience in London and Surrey.
Do you handle structural engineering?
Yes, we provide structural calculations, beam specifications, and building control submissions as part of our integrated services.
What areas do you cover?
We operate across all 32 London boroughs and Surrey, offering local planning expertise and site-specific solutions.
